It\u2019s something of a fool\u2019s errand to attempt a ranking of the five greatest guitar solos by Jeff Beck. His work with the Yardbirds, Jeff Beck Group, Beck Bogert & Appice and as a solo artist is filled with superb, highly melodic and technically dazzling guitar playing. His approach to his instrument encompassed many styles, from hard rock to jazz fusion to rockabilly and more. Beck passed away in 2023 at age 78, but his body of work will stand as a testament to his taste and skill as a six-string master. And even though there\u2019s so much great material from which to choose \u2013 every listener likely has his or her own strongly-held opinions as to which are the best \u2013 here are five songs featuring notable Jeff Beck guitar solos.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver, Under, Sideways, Down\u201d from The Yardbirds\u2019 Roger the Engineer<\/em> (1966)<\/strong>
\nIn the just over five years of their original run, The Yardbirds went through no less than four lead guitarists. Top Topham held the lead guitar spot for the group’s first six months, but left before the band cut its debut album. By that time Eric Clapton had taken over. But disappointed with the band\u2019s tendency toward what he thought too pop-oriented material, he left after eighteen months as lead guitarist. For about a year and a half, Jeff Beck was the Yardbirds\u2019 lead guitarist, though toward the end of his run he shared those duties with Jimmy Page, who\u2019d soon take over on lead. A highlight from among the three Beck-led Yardbirds LPs is this tune, with a distinctive, snaky guitar riff.<\/p>\n